A Test of Institutional Integrity in the Okpebholo Administration
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By Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (Mr. Figo)
7 July 2026
“The true test of leadership is not how a government treats its opponents, but how consistently it applies its own standards to those who serve within it.”
There comes a defining moment in the life of every administration when the people begin to evaluate not merely the promises of government, but the consistency with which those promises are honoured.
That defining moment is rarely determined by the number of projects commissioned or policies announced. Rather, it is defined by whether the principles of justice, accountability, transparency, and due process are applied equally to every public official, irrespective of office, influence, relationship, or proximity to power.
The credibility of any government is built not simply on its willingness to discipline public officers, but on its unwavering commitment to applying the same standard of accountability to everyone whenever circumstances demand it.
Since assuming office, Governor Monday Okpebholo has projected an administration committed to discipline, transparency, and accountability.
On 5 February 2025, the Governor suspended Hon. Samson Osagie, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, alongside Hon. Damian Lawani, Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, over what the government officially described as “grave official and financial infractions.” The suspension was intended to allow an independent investigation to proceed without interference. Hon. Samson Osagie was subsequently reinstated after the investigative committee reportedly cleared him.
Again, on 29 July 2025, the Governor suspended Barr. Felix Osemwengie Isere, Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, over allegations of unauthorised fundraising for the proposed Edo State Oil and Gas Summit. The government further directed that all monies collected be refunded and suspended the proposed summit.
These actions established an important precedent. They conveyed the clear message that whenever questions arise regarding the exercise of public office or compliance with established government procedures, no appointee is expected to be above scrutiny.
It is against this established standard that the controversy surrounding the proposed Edo Carnival 2026 deserves careful public scrutiny.
An invitation publicly circulated for the Theme Unveiling of Edo Carnival 2026 describes the event as being organised by “The Edo State Government, through the Edo Carnival Committee.” The invitation bears the official seal of the Edo State Government, identifies His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the Special Guest of Honour, and also displays the logo of a private company.
The invitation itself raises serious questions that call for prompt, clear, and authoritative answers from the Edo State Government.
If the proposed carnival is associated with a private company while simultaneously being presented under the identity and official insignia of the Edo State Government, what legal or administrative framework governs that relationship?
Was the use of the Edo State Government’s name, official seal, and institutional identity expressly authorised through the appropriate government channels?
If invitations or engagements have been extended to development partners, diplomatic missions, investors, corporate organisations, or other stakeholders under the banner of the Edo State Government, were those engagements duly authorised?
Most importantly, where a serving government appointee is involved in activities connected with a private enterprise while simultaneously occupying public office, have adequate safeguards been put in place to prevent any actual or perceived conflict of interest?
These are not accusations.
They are legitimate questions.
They are questions that go to the very heart of public accountability, institutional integrity, and good governance.
The issue before the public is not whether anyone has already been found guilty of wrongdoing.
The issue is whether the same principles that informed the suspension of Hon. Samson Osagie, Hon. Damian Lawani, and Barr. Felix Osemwengie Isere will be applied consistently whenever legitimate concerns arise regarding the exercise of public office.
As in every matter involving public office, any concerns raised should be examined fairly, objectively, and in accordance with due process. The purpose of public scrutiny is not to prejudge anyone, but to ensure that the standards of accountability already established by the government are applied consistently and without exception.
If allegations of unauthorised official conduct justified the suspension of Barr. Felix Osemwengie Isere pending investigation, should similar concerns regarding the use of government identity or public office not equally attract appropriate institutional scrutiny?
If allegations of official and financial infractions warranted the suspension of Hon. Samson Osagie and Hon. Damian Lawani pending investigation, should comparable concerns involving any other serving government appointee not receive the same objective and transparent consideration?
There is also an important institutional issue that deserves attention.
As a matter of sound public administration, the planning, promotion, and coordination of state cultural festivals and carnivals would ordinarily be expected to fall within the portfolio of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, working in collaboration with other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies where necessary.
This is not merely an administrative matter.
It is a matter of institutional order.
It is a matter of accountability.
It is a matter of protecting the credibility of the government.
Accordingly, if the Edo Carnival is to become an official programme of the Edo State Government, it should be coordinated under the leadership and supervision of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, with every necessary approval and oversight required by the appropriate authorities.
Furthermore, in the interest of transparency and to eliminate every real or perceived conflict of interest, any government appointee whose official responsibilities intersect with any private interest connected to the proposed carnival should voluntarily withdraw from every aspect of its organisation until the Edo State Government provides a clear institutional position on the matter.
Such a step should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing. Rather, it would demonstrate respect for due process and reinforce public confidence in the integrity of government.
Your Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, this matter deserves prompt and unequivocal clarification so that the people of Edo State are not left wondering, in the words of the biblical account, whether they are hearing “the voice of Jacob” while feeling “the hands of Esau” (Genesis 27:22). Public administration should never leave room for uncertainty about who is acting, under whose authority, and in whose interest. Clear institutional boundaries, transparent processes, and consistent accountability are indispensable to preserving public trust in government.
No individual should be condemned without due process.
Equally, no public official should be insulated from scrutiny where legitimate questions arise concerning the exercise of public office.
The enduring strength of any administration lies in its willingness to apply the same standards to everyone.
The people of Edo State are not asking for selective punishment.
They are asking for equal treatment.
Equal conduct should attract equal scrutiny.
Equal responsibility should attract equal accountability.
That is the foundation of justice.
That is the essence of good governance.
That is the hallmark of institutional integrity.
And that is the legacy every responsible administration should strive to leave behind.
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